Is there a difference in track? OK/TX Modelers?

I need some input from modelers in the know about track. I am starting my first larger layout(ho), for me anyway. I am very interested in Mr. Templar's Beaver and Timber Springs.

Anyway about the track, all the local shop carries is Atlas. I do not have the luxury of comparing it to Peco or Shinoharo. Is there a significant difference in the quality of these lines? Money is not the issue as much as quality and consistency as this will be a long term project.

Any help appreciated. Also, are there any modelers in Southern Oklahoma or North Texas on here? Let me know.

Harp

 

Howdy Harp!

Well I'm not sure I can help you much with your track issue, as I am primarily N-Scale, but I was at one time into HO. The Shinohara track has historically been a good choice from my experience, but I think Atlas has similar quality and looks at this time. My only experience with Peco is in N-scale, and it is very high quality (bulletproof) but many do not like the looks as it is based on a European prototype with different tie spacing, etc.

Regarding North Texas modelers, I live in the DFW area and I am originally from Bowie, TX which is near Wichita Falls. So I am very familiar with the area and I am pretty active in railfanning and modeling the area. Feel free to e-mail me if you would like.

BTW, there is a train show in Plano in a few weeks that is the best show all year so you should make plans to go there if possible.

 

I would say there is a big difference in track quality between Peco and Atlas, mainly the switches. The only thing I would use of Atlas would be their flextrack. Their switches in my opinion are junk. (just my opinion) I used Peco switches and Atlas flextrack on my layout, and the trackwork came out flawless. Once ballasted and weathered, the tie spacing on the Peco is not very noticeable. The Shinohara/Walthers track is also very good. Of course there is the highend track (Railway Engineering, Micro-Engineering, etc.), but that gets expensive. Online prices of Peco switches and Atlas flextrack are very low, and for DCC, it couldn't be easier that using Peco Insulfrogs.

 

I second pete on the atlas flex track. The price vs quality just can't be beat (for code 83 in HO).

I've not really looked at the turnouts as I build my own.

 

Thanks for the input. Paul, I enjoyed the photo's of the different stages of build on your site. I will be attending the Plano show, thanks Doug for clueing me in.

Harp

 

We've used hundreds of Atlas turnouts on the BSME and for the most part they have been dead relaible. Recently I've been hearing rumors of problems with new ones, but that's all they are, rumors. For my layout I'm going with all Atlas Cd 83 except where I need a special component like a 3-way or a curved turnout.

 

Well, the local Hobby Lobby carries Atlas and a very few other items for Rys. I bought a Kato Loco from Discount Model Trains in Addison and was very impressed with them and their service. I guess I need to make the trip down again, its been 3 years. I am looking forward to the Plano show. I am only about 45 minutes from Sherman and actually lived there many years ago for a short time.

Maybe I can visit your club sometime.

I made on a mistake on the layout plan, it is actually the Raton Snake Valley from MRy in February 1994.

Thanks for the reply.

Harp

 

Harp,

Since I'm in N, I can't compare the Atlas/Peco in HO, but I like Peco in N, especially the turnouts. They are the best geometry, and most reliable, although the frog is designed for the "pizza cutter" wheels in N, and there is a slight bauble when cars go over.

Some people like the flexible nature of the Atlas track. I used to, but as I use it more, I like the stiffness of Peco.

 

Harp, (my 2 cents), I have to side with Rossford in using the PECO switches. I have used Atlas track in both brass (35 years) and now nickel silver flex, Shinnohara, and Peco, all code 100 since I have many long flange engines from Rivarossi that do not clear 83 rail height.

I like the positive spring snap of the Peco switch points, they never derailed on me.

 

Here's a dumb question from a new guy in this arena. I understand the difference between guage and scale I think, but when they refer to track as Code 83, what does that mean. Thanks for your help, I'm just getting into this and want to build my very first layout, 4x8 or smaller at this point.

 

Be aware that the lower the code in HO the more likely you are to have flange problems, especially with some of the steam engines out there.

Up in Vancouver, Shinohara turnouts are very popular and from what I have see and used at a buddies layout, they work well, and look good. I use peco but in N scale; I've never used Peco in HO so I won't comment.

I know my buddy has done some surgery to the Shinohara turnouts to make them more DCC friendly.

 

Greenshirt, if you buy older locos from eBay they may have the "old" long wheel flanges, while most of the newer engines are now going to the closer to scale size flange the NMRA likes to call "their" RP-25 code flange.

It is a shorter more protypical flange that will run on code 55 (.055") rail without bumping along on the plastic molded "spikes" that hold both rails to the injection molded plastic tie strip.

The older long flange wheels were made as toys to start out with, and like Lionel trains, had to have the long flange to hold them on the track around the tight 18" radius curves at over 250 scale miles an hour those engines would run back then.

Kids always wanted to see how fast the train would run, where we do not, since we are more interested in seeing how slowly we can get an engine to run, and want our engines to "look" more to scale.

 

All good info. One last question on this thread.
Does anyone feel Code 100 will be phased out over time? After my visit to Discount Model Trains, I wasn't able to tell a tremendous difference in the Atlas 100 and 83 or Peco 75 for that matter. it might look a lot different after its down. I must admit I like the Peco
better and being able to match everything in code 75 is one less thing to think about.

Anywho, Thanks for all of the replies.

Harp

 

Great discussion, now i can answer this one. Code 100 will not be phased out. It is the standard for the industry. But u never know. Look what happened to brass track.

[ 12. January 2003, 00:43: Message edited by: railery ]